Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has lambasted rival engine manufacturers amid the ongoing discussions over Formula 1’s engine compression ratios. Speculation arose over the winter that Mercedes HPP and potentially Red Bull Powertrains Ford have found ways to work around the engine compression ratio limit, which was reduced from 18:1 to 16:1 under the new 2026 regulations.
This could mean complying with the FIA’s tests at ambient temperature but having the ability to move closer to 18:1 while the car is running hot out on track. Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains Ford are two of the five power unit manufacturers in 2026, along with Ferrari, Honda, and newcomer Audi.
Meetings were held between power unit manufacturers and the FIA in advance of last week’s Barcelona shakedown, and further discussions are expected before the opening round in Australia in early March. But Wolff has been unimpressed by the situation.
He stated that Mercedes is trying to minimize distractions and follow the regulations, which are clear and transparent. However, rival teams seem to be focusing on finding excuses rather than accepting the rules.
The debate over engine compression ratios is a complex issue, with different teams exploring various strategies to comply with the new regulations. As the 2026 season approaches, it will be interesting to see how these teams navigate this challenge.
The 2026 engine debate highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between F1 teams and manufacturers. With the compression ratio limit in place, teams are pushing the boundaries of what is possible while still adhering to the rules.
